The Bambu Lab A2L feels tailor-made for anyone hoping to level up their 3D printing projects. OK, so you could break it out as your introduction to the hobby – but I don't think it'd be the best bet on that front. Nor is it trying to be. Instead, the A2L respects that you know what you're doing and says "hey, wanna see what else 3D printers can do?"
After a few weeks putting this device through its paces, I'd argue that the Bambu Lab A2L (which you can find from Bambu Lab for $569 / £429) is a great option for anyone who wants to take their 3D printing skills to the next level. Thanks to a host of advanced features, a larger build volume, the option to swap out modules, and multi-color functionality, it comes across as a logical next step on your hobby journey.
Wait for it
I could tell as soon as I cracked open the box that this was going to be a more involved experience. Unlike so many modern, beginner-friendly devices, this one doesn't come (mostly) assembled; it requires a lot of prep first. Fixing struts into place, removing plates to get at hidden screws, fitting numerous attachments… it's like finishing your greens before hitting desert.
While this can be a headache at times (it's more fiddly and took longer than I'd expected), that process is a good summary of the Bambu Lab A2L in general: this is a fine-tuned and specialist machine for pros. That means it requires some groundwork.
I'd say the results more than make up for any hassle early on, too. For starters, this thing is big. Sure, you can find larger machines. Few will fit as comfortably on an office desk, though. The Bambu Lab A2L boasts a build volume of 330mm × 320mm × 325mm, providing far more room to play with than most entry to mid-level devices.
In addition, you can easily swap out the toolhead cover for a cutting module that can also draw. This means you have an all-in-one crafting or cosplay solution, and I can't think of many rivals with the same functionality. Honestly, the only thing it's missing at this point is a laser-cutter.
Problem solving
It's a clever cookie in terms of pre-empting problems, too. Besides sensors that can actively detect problems before they go too far (like your device jovially 'air printing' and not producing any results for hours on end), it puts a lot of work into adaptive vibration compensation. Many printers use input shaping at startup before cracking on, but the A2L keeps this process going throughout to factor in toolhead position and bed load. It also adds two Granular Dampers – AKA sealed chambers that contain particles designed to dissipate vibration through micro-collisions. That means the last layer should theoretically come out looking as good as the first, and from what I've seen so far in my testing, the machine is good to its word. I'll need to run more tests with larger models, but I'm happy with how things are going.
Throw in easy multi-color printing and you've got quite a bag of tricks here.
Again, it's not a perfect solution. It does take up a lot of space, and the multi-color stand provided doesn't help; it sits awkwardly off to one side so uses even more real estate. However, I can't argue with the results. Everything I've printed so far has come out beautifully with a high degree of accuracy, from smaller toys to large props I can use in D&D sessions.
In other words, it's a reliable workhorse – and I feel as though I've barely scratched the surface. I was initially going to swap the Bambu Lab A2L back out for my old faithful machine once I'd finished testing, but now? Well, now I'm tempted to keep it around.
